Council support for entrepreneurs

More than 700 people ‘took their first steps towards’ starting a business with the help of Sheffield City Council in 2013, according to leader Julie Dore.

And 250 small to medium- sized enterprises received assistance.

But 2014 is set to see a shift in emphasis toward supporting businesses with rapid growth potential.

She said: “Several key indicators on self-employment, business start-ups and private sector employment show Sheffield is moving in the right direction.

“I accept we still have a way to go, but as a council we will play our part to help your business grow, and help generate wealth for our city.”

Creative Sheffield, the authority’s economic arm, had launched a £1m SME loan fund, developed a graduate internship scheme for smaller businesses and piloted an SME export project, she added. Meanwhile, as a member of the HS2 Growth Task Force, she was standing up for Sheffield.

She added: “My job is to make sure that the project maximises the economic growth and job opportunities for the UK.

“I am standing up for Sheffield people to make sure that our city region reaps the rewards of this project. HS2 is not just a rail line.

“Here in the Sheffield City Region it could generate up to £5bn additional growth. That means jobs and business opportunities for people like you.

“The groundwork that we have put in over the last few years, including establishing the JESSICA property fund, £32m of Regional Growth Fund investments and the ongoing work to deliver St Paul’s 3, should bear fruit.

“These factors, alongside high skills levels and the aspiration of local people, puts Sheffield in pole position.”